The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to enter into its 12th edition with the auction taking place on December 18 in Jaipur. The preparations for the event had begun a long ago this year with the possibility of the next season being played outside India and the tournament starting early with the ICC Cricket World Cup to follow soon after the IPL. Meanwhile, amidst all the updates regarding the auction, the Governing Council also decided to change the auctioneer for the first time in its history.

Richard Madley, who was associated with the World’s most followed cricketing league ever since its inception, will not be the part of the auction this time around. Hugh Edmeades, who has the experience of 30 years in the field and is an independent fine art, classic car and charity auctioneer, is set to replace him. It will be interesting to see the way the new gavel master will engage the bidders from the eight franchises.

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Madley gives an update himself

Richard Madley, on his official Twitter handle, also confirmed that he will miss the IPL auction. He apologized to all his fans and followers in India while expressing his pleasure and honour to have been part of the most sought-after competition right from 2008, its inaugural edition.

“Sorry not to be conducting #IPL2019 auction. It’s been an honour and a privilege to have been part of #IPL from the start. Will miss my many friends and followers in #India and beyond. Thank you for the welcome you have always shown. The Hammerman,” his tweet read.

However, the Indian fans are left shocked with this news as they are already missing Richard’s presence from the IPL. They feel that the auction will not be interesting with him at the stage calling players’ names. In a way, the reaction is expected as Madley had got the hold of all the players and shared a great camaraderie with the players and franchise owners as well.

Here’s Richard Madley’s tweet:

Sorry not to be conducting #IPL2019 auction .It’s been an honour and a privilege to have been part of #IPL from the start.Will miss my many friends and followers in #India and beyond.Thank you 🙏 for the welcome you have always shown .The Hammerman

Here’s how fans reacted:

After conducting IPL auctions for 11 seasons with precision & being an indispensable name from the richest cricket league, its time to bid adieu to Richard Madley. He is the first auctioneer to enter India's collective conscious. Welcome Hugh Edmeades, the new gavel master.